Chapter 18
“Miss Smith, we can’t reach Victor’s father. Please tell him to visit the school when possible.”
“The young master’s been pampered since childhood. We teachers can only assist–parents are the primary educa- tors.”
“Understood. I’ll let his father know.”
Barbara hung up, lazily staying in bed and signaling the maid to continue the massage.
She glanced sideways at the butler standing nearby, her tone icy: “You know what should and shouldn’t be said.”
The butler nodded, but her friend lying nearby protested: “Isn’t this too harsh? After all, that little one is the apple of his eye. Annoying as she is, she’s still just a child.”
Barbara’s friend on her right immediately teased: “You don’t get it, do you? Without that darling, our Barbara be- comes young master Rivera’s one and only sweetheart. Besides, he’s the one who abandoned her. Can you blame us? How long has it been since he last showed up? What kind of father does that?”
Barbara nodded nonchalantly, her eyes holding a calculating look.
Charlie scampered over like a puppy at her wave, drawing another round of laughter from the group.
“Charlie, your teacher said you lifted a girl’s skirt at school? That’s my boy!” She gave him an approving thumbs–up. “See anything interesting?”
Too long deprived of Barbara’s attention, the boy proudly lifted his chin at the unexpected praise.
“Not really, but I saw pink panties.”
Barbara shook her head: “You just don’t get it. They don’t see you as a real friend. Look at me and your dad–I give him whatever he wants. Next time, make demands. Don’t worry, if anything happens, our family can afford it.”
A lewd smile spread across Barbara’s face.
Seeing Margaret nodding thoughtfully, she motioned for the maid to massage her shoulders.
Somehow, she’d become this brazen in the Rivera household.
Friends had visited that day, and they’d partied late. The next morning, Barbara couldn’t drag herself out of bed.
Charles raced over to tug her blanket, his little backpack bouncing: “Aunt Barbara, get up now! I’ll be late for school!”
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Chapter 18
288 Vouchers
To his shock, the usually gentle Barbara shoved him hard onto the floor, morning grumpiness sharp in her voice: “Have the driver take you. I’m sleeping.”
Still believing himself the family’s spoiled little prince, Charles threw his backpack down and burst into tears: “No! No! Only Aunt Barbara takes me!”
Barbara’s face darkened instantly, frost spreading over her once–smiling eyes.
“Don’t read if you don’t want to. Who do you think you are?”
“Do you even realize? Your parents have washed their hands of you. I’m the lady of this house now. That new money mother of yours vanished ages ago. If you weren’t still somewhat useful, I’d have kicked you out long ago.”
Charles shrank at these words, staring wide–eyed at Barbara without daring to breathe–no trace of his usual arro- gance around Margaret remained.
“Remember this: My word is law here. Don’t pull your young master airs with me. Even your father’s eager to please me. What makes you special?”
A pillow thudded against Charles‘ body with the final words.
“Teacher, something came up at home today. His father asked me to request leave for Charles.”
Barbara called the kindergarten teacher, her tone shifting in a split second.
Charles stood frozen, unsure whether to cry or laugh about skipping school.
Only when Barbara hung up did she snap: “Get lost
already! You’re ruining my damn sleep!”
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